| Hedgerow Theatre | |
| Type: | Private |
| Industry: | Theatre company |
| Predecessors: | --> |
| Founded: | in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Founder: | Jasper Deeter |
| Successors: | --> |
| Hq Location City: | Rose Valley, Pennsylvania |
| Hq Location Country: | United States |
| Areas Served: | --> |
| Owners: | --> |
Hedgerow Theatre is a theatre company based in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, founded in 1923. It was "for many years the only true U. S. professional repertory theater."[1] The building is a contributing structure in the Rose Valley Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[2]
Hedgerow was founded in 1923 by New York-based director and actor Jasper Deeter in Rose Valley, less than 3 miles from Media and Swarthmore. The theatre building, originally a gristmill built in 1840, seats 144 spectators after an early twentieth-century reconstruction designed by architect William Lightfoot Price. Other sources note, however, that the Theatre building was "erected in 1807 as a snuff mill and later rebuilt as a hand-weaving mill."[3] It is a contributing structure in the Rose Valley Historic District. Hedgerow's green room showcases a staircase and table designed by Wharton Esherick, an acclaimed American craftsman and a one-time set designer for Hedgerow. Located a half mile from the theatre is Hedgerow House, used as housing for the residential company members as well as a rehearsal space, school, and office, accompanied by the costume and prop shops.
The Pennsylvania Guide, compiled by the Writers' Program of the Works Progress Administration in 1940, described the founding of the Theatre by Deeter and its early operations:
In 1931, Ann Harding purchased the Hedgerow Theatre building from Deeter for $5,000 and donated it to the company.
Throughout its long history, Hedgerow has helped to spawn other popular theatre companies, most notably People's Light and Theatre Company. Hedgerow has been the site of many play debuts and has received recognition by producing the plays of George Bernard Shaw, Eugene O'Neill, and Seán O'Casey. Its actors have included H. Foley, Richard Basehart, Ann Harding, Keanu Reeves, Stephen Lang,[4] and Austin Pendleton.
From 1990 to 2013, Penelope Reed assumed the artistic direction of Hedgerow; the company is currently led by her son, Jared Reed.
The company stages over two dozen productions annually, relying on members, volunteers, and the local community. Their Mainstage season offers diverse plays, including new works, farces and Shakespeare. The Horizons series frequently showcases new plays with younger company members. The company is committed to school tours, outreach programs, and features a Children's Theatre. Hedgerow provides fellowships for recent college graduates, offering practical experience in various theater disciplines. Hedgerow was awarded the Best New Play 2005 Barrymore Award for The Lives of Bosie by John Wolfson.